Giveaway: Ringling Brothers Tickets (Chicago)

I love the circus. I remember seeing it as a little girl in Madison Square Garden once and being utterly fascinated. I remember sitting as a four year old completely enthralled and not moving a muscle the entire performance. My popcorn sat untouched.

There was a period in my life where I didn't see the circus for years and years. When I began dating someone who had a company outing at the circus, I had the fun of going again, and even as two single people with no kids to show us the joy of the circus through their eyes, we both enjoyed it - and went back again the next year.

The wee ones went to the circus for the first time last year, and I'm happy to say that they enjoyed it, as well. They booed the villain and cheered for the hero, amazed by all the acts in between. The circus was the talk of our house for weeks afterward, and it was hilarious to see the wee ones trying to act out what they saw in the circus - they learned the hard way that my parents' dog isn't ready for the cirus.

They are going again this year, and the circus promises to be even bigger and better as it celebrates P.T. Barnum's 200th birthday with the show FUNundrum. From the flying trapeze to the strong man to the elephants and more, I can't wait to see the wee ones expressions. It's going to be a surprise for them.

Can you believe there are 100,000 pounds of performing pachyderms, cowboys, pirates, and mermaids? I'm still trying to figure out how they're managing to get all those performers into the show given that it's only a couple hours long. I have a feeling I'll miss a few things, but that's ok. I'm pretty sure I'll be sitting still in my chair, absolutely enthralled yet again.

I'm still trying to decide whether to let the wee ones color this sheet before the show or if they'll figure out the surprise if I do. I can at least share it with you, right?

Don't you have someone you'd want to surprise, too? The show is both at the Allstate Arena and the United Center again this year, and shows start at the Allstate Arena next Thursday November 4, while the circus begins at the UC on Wednesday November 17.

By using the code MOM, you can get 4 tickets for $44 for weekday performances (except Friday night and holidays) and $4 off tickets the rest of the weekend. Simply put MOM into the “MC Promotions Ticket” selection on Ticketmaster's website, or use when purchasing at the UC or Allstate box office or when calling 1-800-745-3000. This discount is not valid on Cicrus Celebrity, Front Row or VIP tickets. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply.

How sweet is that? What, you want more? Ok... I am also giving away a family four pack of tickets to the opening night performance at the United Center on Wednesday November 17 at 7pm. Please be sure you can attend the show prior to entering.

So what do you have to do?

First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!

This contest is open until Thursday November 4 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 24 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.

Mandatory Entry: What is your favorite circus act?

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):

1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and tweeting this contest (leave a link to your tweet as your comment).
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.

Good luck!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received tickets to see the show. I did not receive any compensation, and all opinions expressed are my own.